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B-Cell Epitope Mapping of the Plasmodium falciparum Malaria Vaccine Candidate GMZ2.6c in a Naturally Exposed Population of the Brazilian Amazon. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:vaccines11020446. [PMID: 36851323 PMCID: PMC9966924 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11020446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The GMZ2.6c malaria vaccine candidate is a multi-stage P. falciparum chimeric protein that contains a fragment of the sexual-stage Pfs48/45-6C protein genetically fused to GMZ2, an asexual-stage vaccine construction consisting of the N-terminal region of the glutamate-rich protein (GLURP) and the C-terminal region of the merozoite surface protein-3 (MSP-3). Previous studies showed that GMZ2.6c is widely recognized by antibodies from Brazilian exposed individuals and that its components are immunogenic in natural infection by P. falciparum. In addition, anti-GMZ2.6c antibodies increase with exposure to infection and may contribute to parasite immunity. Therefore, identifying epitopes of proteins recognized by antibodies may be an important tool for understanding protective immunity. Herein, we identify and validate the B-cell epitopes of GMZ2.6c as immunogenic and immunodominant in individuals exposed to malaria living in endemic areas of the Brazilian Amazon. Specific IgG antibodies and subclasses against MSP-3, GLURP, and Pfs48/45 epitopes were detected by ELISA using synthetic peptides corresponding to B-cell epitopes previously described for MSP-3 and GLURP or identified by BepiPred for Pfs48/45. The results showed that the immunodominant epitopes were P11 from GLURP and MSP-3c and DG210 from MSP-3. The IgG1 and IgG3 subclasses were preferentially induced against these epitopes, supporting previous studies that these proteins are targets for cytophilic antibodies, important for the acquisition of protective immunity. Most individuals presented detectable IgG antibodies against Pfs48/45a and/or Pfs48/45b, validating the prediction of linear B-cell epitopes. The higher frequency and antibody levels against different epitopes from GLURP, MSP-3, and Pfs48/45 provide additional information that may suggest the relevance of GMZ2.6c as a multi-stage malaria vaccine candidate.
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Malaria Vaccines. Infect Dis (Lond) 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2463-0_536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
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3
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Pidre ML, Arrías PN, Amorós Morales LC, Romanowski V. The Magic Staff: A Comprehensive Overview of Baculovirus-Based Technologies Applied to Human and Animal Health. Viruses 2022; 15:80. [PMID: 36680120 PMCID: PMC9863858 DOI: 10.3390/v15010080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Baculoviruses are enveloped, insect-specific viruses with large double-stranded DNA genomes. Among all the baculovirus species, Autographa californica multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (AcMNPV) is the most studied. Due to its characteristics regarding biosafety, narrow host range and the availability of different platforms for modifying its genome, AcMNPV has become a powerful biotechnological tool. In this review, we will address the most widespread technological applications of baculoviruses. We will begin by summarizing their natural cycle both in larvae and in cell culture and how it can be exploited. Secondly, we will explore the different baculovirus-based protein expression systems (BEVS) and their multiple applications in the pharmaceutical and biotechnological industry. We will focus particularly on the production of vaccines, many of which are either currently commercialized or in advanced stages of development (e.g., Novavax, COVID-19 vaccine). In addition, recombinant baculoviruses can be used as efficient gene transduction and protein expression vectors in vertebrate cells (e.g., BacMam). Finally, we will extensively describe various gene therapy strategies based on baculoviruses applied to the treatment of different diseases. The main objective of this work is to provide an extensive up-to-date summary of the different biotechnological applications of baculoviruses, emphasizing the genetic modification strategies used in each field.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Víctor Romanowski
- Instituto de Biotecnología y Biología Molecular (IBBM), Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP) and Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), La Plata 1900, Argentina
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4
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McLeod B, Mabrouk MT, Miura K, Ravichandran R, Kephart S, Hailemariam S, Pham TP, Semesi A, Kucharska I, Kundu P, Huang WC, Johnson M, Blackstone A, Pettie D, Murphy M, Kraft JC, Leaf EM, Jiao Y, van de Vegte-Bolmer M, van Gemert GJ, Ramjith J, King CR, MacGill RS, Wu Y, Lee KK, Jore MM, King NP, Lovell JF, Julien JP. Vaccination with a structure-based stabilized version of malarial antigen Pfs48/45 elicits ultra-potent transmission-blocking antibody responses. Immunity 2022; 55:1680-1692.e8. [PMID: 35977542 PMCID: PMC9487866 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2022.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Malaria transmission-blocking vaccines (TBVs) aim to elicit human antibodies that inhibit sporogonic development of Plasmodium falciparum in mosquitoes, thereby preventing onward transmission. Pfs48/45 is a leading clinical TBV candidate antigen and is recognized by the most potent transmission-blocking monoclonal antibody (mAb) yet described; still, clinical development of Pfs48/45 antigens has been hindered, largely by its poor biochemical characteristics. Here, we used structure-based computational approaches to design Pfs48/45 antigens stabilized in the conformation recognized by the most potently inhibitory mAb, achieving >25°C higher thermostability compared with the wild-type protein. Antibodies elicited in mice immunized with these engineered antigens displayed on liposome-based or protein nanoparticle-based vaccine platforms exhibited 1-2 orders of magnitude superior transmission-reducing activity, compared with immunogens bearing the wild-type antigen, driven by improved antibody quality. Our data provide the founding principles for using molecular stabilization solely from antibody structure-function information to drive improved immune responses against a parasitic vaccine target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon McLeod
- Program in Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, 686 Bay Street, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Moustafa T Mabrouk
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA
| | - Kazutoyo Miura
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 12735 Twinbrook Parkway, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
| | - Rashmi Ravichandran
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Sally Kephart
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Sophia Hailemariam
- Program in Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, 686 Bay Street, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Thao P Pham
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 12735 Twinbrook Parkway, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
| | - Anthony Semesi
- Program in Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, 686 Bay Street, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Iga Kucharska
- Program in Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, 686 Bay Street, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Prasun Kundu
- Program in Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, 686 Bay Street, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Wei-Chiao Huang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA
| | - Max Johnson
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Alyssa Blackstone
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Deleah Pettie
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Michael Murphy
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - John C Kraft
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Elizabeth M Leaf
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Yang Jiao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA
| | | | - Geert-Jan van Gemert
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Jordache Ramjith
- Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Department for Health Evidence, Biostatistics Section, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - C Richter King
- PATH's Malaria Vaccine Initiative, 455 Massachusetts Avenue NW Suite 1000, Washington, DC 20001, USA
| | - Randall S MacGill
- PATH's Malaria Vaccine Initiative, 455 Massachusetts Avenue NW Suite 1000, Washington, DC 20001, USA
| | - Yimin Wu
- PATH's Malaria Vaccine Initiative, 455 Massachusetts Avenue NW Suite 1000, Washington, DC 20001, USA
| | - Kelly K Lee
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Matthijs M Jore
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Neil P King
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Jonathan F Lovell
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA
| | - Jean-Philippe Julien
- Program in Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, 686 Bay Street, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada; Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada.
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Choque-Guevara R, Poma-Acevedo A, Montesinos-Millán R, Rios-Matos D, Gutiérrez-Manchay K, Montalvan-Avalos A, Quiñones-Garcia S, Cauti-Mendoza MDG, Agurto-Arteaga A, Ramirez-Ortiz I, Criollo-Orozco M, Huaccachi-Gonzales E, Romero YK, Perez-Martinez N, Isasi-Rivas G, Sernaque-Aguilar Y, Villanueva-Pérez D, Ygnacio F, Vallejos-Sánchez K, Fernández-Sánchez M, Guevara-Sarmiento LA, Fernández-Díaz M, Zimic M. Squalene in oil-based adjuvant improves the immunogenicity of SARS-CoV-2 RBD and confirms safety in animal models. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0269823. [PMID: 35998134 PMCID: PMC9397949 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0269823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the development of vaccines against its etiologic agent, SARS-CoV-2. However, the emergence of new variants of the virus lead to the generation of new alternatives to improve the current sub-unit vaccines in development. In the present report, the immunogenicity of the Spike RBD of SARS-CoV-2 formulated with an oil-in-water emulsion and a water-in-oil emulsion with squalene was evaluated in mice and hamsters. The RBD protein was expressed in insect cells and purified by chromatography until >95% purity. The protein was shown to have the appropriate folding as determined by ELISA and flow cytometry binding assays to its receptor, as well as by its detection by hamster immune anti-S1 sera under non-reducing conditions. In immunization assays, although the cellular immune response elicited by both adjuvants were similar, the formulation based in water-in-oil emulsion and squalene generated an earlier humoral response as determined by ELISA. Similarly, this formulation was able to stimulate neutralizing antibodies in hamsters. The vaccine candidate was shown to be safe, as demonstrated by the histopathological analysis in lungs, liver and kidney. These results have shown the potential of this formulation vaccine to be evaluated in a challenge against SARS-CoV-2 and determine its ability to confer protection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Dora Rios-Matos
- Laboratorios de investigación y desarrollo, FARVET SAC, Chincha, Ica, Perú
| | | | | | - Stefany Quiñones-Garcia
- Laboratorios de investigación y desarrollo, FARVET SAC, Chincha, Ica, Perú
- Laboratorio de Bioinformática, Biología Molecular y Desarrollos Tecnológicos, Laboratorios de Investigación y Desarrollo, Facultad de Ciencias y Filosofía, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Maria de Grecia Cauti-Mendoza
- Laboratorios de investigación y desarrollo, FARVET SAC, Chincha, Ica, Perú
- Laboratorio de Bioinformática, Biología Molecular y Desarrollos Tecnológicos, Laboratorios de Investigación y Desarrollo, Facultad de Ciencias y Filosofía, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | | | | | | | | | - Yomara K. Romero
- Laboratorio de Bioinformática, Biología Molecular y Desarrollos Tecnológicos, Laboratorios de Investigación y Desarrollo, Facultad de Ciencias y Filosofía, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | | | - Gisela Isasi-Rivas
- Laboratorios de investigación y desarrollo, FARVET SAC, Chincha, Ica, Perú
| | | | | | - Freddy Ygnacio
- Laboratorios de investigación y desarrollo, FARVET SAC, Chincha, Ica, Perú
| | - Katherine Vallejos-Sánchez
- Laboratorio de Bioinformática, Biología Molecular y Desarrollos Tecnológicos, Laboratorios de Investigación y Desarrollo, Facultad de Ciencias y Filosofía, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | | | | | | | - Mirko Zimic
- Laboratorios de investigación y desarrollo, FARVET SAC, Chincha, Ica, Perú
- Laboratorio de Bioinformática, Biología Molecular y Desarrollos Tecnológicos, Laboratorios de Investigación y Desarrollo, Facultad de Ciencias y Filosofía, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
- * E-mail:
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6
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Lyons FMT, Gabriela M, Tham WH, Dietrich MH. Plasmodium 6-Cysteine Proteins: Functional Diversity, Transmission-Blocking Antibodies and Structural Scaffolds. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:945924. [PMID: 35899047 PMCID: PMC9309271 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.945924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The 6-cysteine protein family is one of the most abundant surface antigens that are expressed throughout the Plasmodium falciparum life cycle. Many members of the 6-cysteine family have critical roles in parasite development across the life cycle in parasite transmission, evasion of the host immune response and host cell invasion. The common feature of the family is the 6-cysteine domain, also referred to as s48/45 domain, which is conserved across Aconoidasida. This review summarizes the current approaches for recombinant expression for 6-cysteine proteins, monoclonal antibodies against 6-cysteine proteins that block transmission and the growing collection of crystal structures that provide insights into the functional domains of this protein family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frankie M. T. Lyons
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Infectious Diseases and Immune Defence Division, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Mikha Gabriela
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Infectious Diseases and Immune Defence Division, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Wai-Hong Tham
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Infectious Diseases and Immune Defence Division, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Melanie H. Dietrich
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Infectious Diseases and Immune Defence Division, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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7
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Ochwedo KO, Ariri FO, Otambo WO, Magomere EO, Debrah I, Onyango SA, Orondo PW, Atieli HE, Ogolla SO, Otieno ACA, Mukabana WR, Githeko AK, Lee MC, Yan G, Zhong D, Kazura JW. Rare Alleles and Signatures of Selection on the Immunodominant Domains of Pfs230 and Pfs48/45 in Malaria Parasites From Western Kenya. Front Genet 2022; 13:867906. [PMID: 35656326 PMCID: PMC9152164 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.867906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Malaria elimination and eradication efforts can be advanced by including transmission-blocking or reducing vaccines (TBVs) alongside existing interventions. Key transmission-blocking vaccine candidates, such as Pfs230 domain one and Pfs48/45 domain 3, should be genetically stable to avoid developing ineffective vaccines due to antigenic polymorphisms. We evaluated genetic polymorphism and temporal stability of Pfs230 domain one and Pfs48/45 domain three in Plasmodium falciparum parasites from western Kenya. Methods: Dry blood spots on filter paper were collected from febrile malaria patients reporting to community health facilities in endemic areas of Homa Bay and Kisumu Counties and an epidemic-prone area of Kisii County in 2018 and 2019. Plasmodium speciation was performed using eluted DNA and real-time PCR. Amplification of the target domains of the two Pfs genes was performed on P. falciparum positive samples. We sequenced Pfs230 domain one on 156 clinical isolates and Pfs48/45 domain three on 118 clinical isolates to infer the levels of genetic variability, signatures of selection, genetic diversity indices and perform other evolutionary analyses. Results: Pfs230 domain one had low nucleotide diversity (π = 0.15 × 10-2) with slight variation per study site. Six polymorphic sites with nonsynonymous mutations and eight haplotypes were discovered. I539T was a novel variant, whereas G605S was nearing fixation. Pfs48/45 domain three had a low π (0.063 × 10-2), high conservation index, and three segregating sites, resulting in nonsynonymous mutation and four haplotypes. Some loci of Pfs230 D1 were in positive or negative linkage disequilibrium, had negative or positive selection signatures, and others (1813, 1955) and (1813, 1983) had a history of recombination. Mutated loci pairs in Pfs48/45 domain three had negative linkage disequilibrium, and some had negative and positive Tajima's D values with no history of recombination events. Conclusion: The two transmission blocking vaccine candidates have low nucleotide diversity, a small number of zone-specific variants, high nucleotide conservation index, and high frequency of rare alleles. With the near fixation a polymorphic site and the proximity of mutated codons to antibody binding epitopes, it will be necessary to continue monitoring sequence modifications of these domains when designing TBVs that include Pfs230 and Pfs48/45 antigens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin O. Ochwedo
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya,Sub-Saharan Africa International Centre for Excellence in Malaria Research, Homa Bay, Kenya
| | - Fredrick O. Ariri
- Sub-Saharan Africa International Centre for Excellence in Malaria Research, Homa Bay, Kenya,Department of Zoology, School of Physical and Biological Sciences, Maseno University, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Wilfred O. Otambo
- Sub-Saharan Africa International Centre for Excellence in Malaria Research, Homa Bay, Kenya,Department of Zoology, School of Physical and Biological Sciences, Maseno University, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Edwin O. Magomere
- Sub-Saharan Africa International Centre for Excellence in Malaria Research, Homa Bay, Kenya,Department of Biochemistry, Egerton University, Nakuru, Kenya
| | - Isaiah Debrah
- Sub-Saharan Africa International Centre for Excellence in Malaria Research, Homa Bay, Kenya,West Africa Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogen, Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Shirley A. Onyango
- Sub-Saharan Africa International Centre for Excellence in Malaria Research, Homa Bay, Kenya,School of Zoological Sciences, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Pauline W. Orondo
- Sub-Saharan Africa International Centre for Excellence in Malaria Research, Homa Bay, Kenya
| | - Harrysone E. Atieli
- Sub-Saharan Africa International Centre for Excellence in Malaria Research, Homa Bay, Kenya
| | - Sidney O. Ogolla
- Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Antony C. A. Otieno
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Wolfgang R. Mukabana
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya,Sub-Saharan Africa International Centre for Excellence in Malaria Research, Homa Bay, Kenya
| | - Andrew K. Githeko
- Sub-Saharan Africa International Centre for Excellence in Malaria Research, Homa Bay, Kenya,Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Ming-Chieh Lee
- Program in Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Guiyun Yan
- Program in Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Daibin Zhong
- Program in Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States,*Correspondence: Daibin Zhong,
| | - James W. Kazura
- Centre for Global Health and Diseases, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
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Yu S, Wang J, Luo X, Zheng H, Wang L, Yang X, Wang Y. Transmission-Blocking Strategies Against Malaria Parasites During Their Mosquito Stages. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:820650. [PMID: 35252033 PMCID: PMC8889032 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.820650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria is still the most widespread parasitic disease and causes the most infections globally. Owing to improvements in sanitary conditions and various intervention measures, including the use of antimalarial drugs, the malaria epidemic in many regions of the world has improved significantly in the past 10 years. However, people living in certain underdeveloped areas are still under threat. Even in some well-controlled areas, the decline in malaria infection rates has stagnated or the rates have rebounded because of the emergence and spread of drug-resistant malaria parasites. Thus, new malaria control methods must be developed. As the spread of the Plasmodium parasite is dependent on the part of its life cycle that occurs in mosquitoes, to eliminate the possibility of malaria infections, transmission-blocking strategies against the mosquito stage should be the first choice. In fact, after the gametocyte enters the mosquito body, it undergoes a series of transformation processes over a short period, thus providing numerous potential blocking targets. Many research groups have carried out studies based on targeting the blocking of transmission during the mosquito phase and have achieved excellent results. Meanwhile, the direct killing of mosquitoes could also significantly reduce the probability of malaria infections. Microorganisms that display complex interactions with Plasmodium, such as Wolbachia and gut flora, have shown observable transmission-blocking potential. These could be used as a biological control strategy and play an important part in blocking the transmission of malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shasha Yu
- Department of Tropical Medicine, College of Military Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Tropical Medicine, College of Military Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xue Luo
- Department of Tropical Medicine, College of Military Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hong Zheng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Luhan Wang
- Department of Tropical Medicine, College of Military Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xuesen Yang
- Department of Tropical Medicine, College of Military Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Tropical Medicine, College of Military Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
- *Correspondence: Ying Wang,
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9
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Keleta Y, Ramelow J, Cui L, Li J. Molecular interactions between parasite and mosquito during midgut invasion as targets to block malaria transmission. NPJ Vaccines 2021; 6:140. [PMID: 34845210 PMCID: PMC8630063 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-021-00401-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite considerable effort, malaria remains a major public health burden. Malaria is caused by five Plasmodium species and is transmitted to humans via the female Anopheles mosquito. The development of malaria vaccines against the liver and blood stages has been challenging. Therefore, malaria elimination strategies advocate integrated measures, including transmission-blocking approaches. Designing an effective transmission-blocking strategy relies on a sophisticated understanding of the molecular mechanisms governing the interactions between the mosquito midgut molecules and the malaria parasite. Here we review recent advances in the biology of malaria transmission, focusing on molecular interactions between Plasmodium and Anopheles mosquito midgut proteins. We provide an overview of parasite and mosquito proteins that are either targets for drugs currently in clinical trials or candidates of promising transmission-blocking vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yacob Keleta
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, FL, 33199, USA
| | - Julian Ramelow
- Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL, 33199, USA
| | - Liwang Cui
- College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, FL, 33199, USA.
- Biomolecular Science Institute, Florida International University, Miami, FL, 33199, USA.
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10
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Pirahmadi S, Afzali S, Zargar M, Zakeri S, Mehrizi AA. How can we develop an effective subunit vaccine to achieve successful malaria eradication? Microb Pathog 2021; 160:105203. [PMID: 34547408 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2021.105203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Malaria, a mosquito-borne infection, is the most widespread parasitic disease. Despite numerous efforts to eradicate malaria, this disease is still a health concern worldwide. Owing to insecticide-resistant vectors and drug-resistant parasites, available controlling measures are insufficient to achieve a malaria-free world. Thus, there is an urgent need for new intervention tools such as efficient malaria vaccines. Subunit vaccines are the most promising malaria vaccines under development. However, one of the major drawbacks of subunit vaccines is the lack of efficient and durable immune responses including antigen-specific antibody, CD4+, and CD8+ T-cell responses, long-lived plasma cells, memory cells, and functional antibodies for parasite neutralization or inhibition of parasite invasion. These types of responses could be induced by whole organism vaccines, but eliciting these responses with subunit vaccines has been proven to be more challenging. Consequently, subunit vaccines require several policies to overcome these challenges. In this review, we address common approaches that can improve the efficacy of subunit vaccines against malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sakineh Pirahmadi
- Malaria and Vector Research Group (MVRG), Biotechnology Research Center (BRC), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shima Afzali
- Malaria and Vector Research Group (MVRG), Biotechnology Research Center (BRC), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mostafa Zargar
- Malaria and Vector Research Group (MVRG), Biotechnology Research Center (BRC), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sedigheh Zakeri
- Malaria and Vector Research Group (MVRG), Biotechnology Research Center (BRC), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Akram Abouie Mehrizi
- Malaria and Vector Research Group (MVRG), Biotechnology Research Center (BRC), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.
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Tripathi AK, Oakley MS, Verma N, Mlambo G, Zheng H, Meredith SM, Essuman E, Puri A, Skelton RA, Takeda K, Majam V, Quakyi IA, Locke E, Morin M, Miura K, Long CA, Kumar S. Plasmodium falciparum Pf77 and male development gene 1 as vaccine antigens that induce potent transmission-reducing antibodies. Sci Transl Med 2021; 13:eabg2112. [PMID: 34108248 PMCID: PMC11018285 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abg2112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Malaria vaccines that disrupt the Plasmodium life cycle in mosquitoes and reduce parasite transmission in endemic areas are termed transmission-blocking vaccines (TBVs). Despite decades of research, there are only a few Plasmodium falciparum antigens that indisputably and reproducibly demonstrate transmission-blocking immunity. So far, only two TBV candidates have advanced to phase 1/2 clinical testing with limited success. By applying an unbiased transcriptomics-based approach, we have identified Pf77 and male development gene 1 (PfMDV-1) as two P. falciparum TBV antigens that, upon immunization, induced antibodies that caused reductions in oocyst counts in Anopheles mosquito midguts in a standard membrane feeding assay. In-depth studies were performed to characterize the genetic diversity of, stage-specific expression by, and natural immunity to these two molecules to evaluate their suitability as TBV candidates. Pf77 and PfMDV-1 display limited antigenic polymorphism, are pan-developmentally expressed within the parasite, and induce naturally occurring antibodies in Ghanaian adults, which raises the prospect of natural boosting of vaccine-induced immune response in endemic regions. Together, these biological properties suggest that Pf77 and PfMDV-1 may warrant further investigation as TBV candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhai K Tripathi
- Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Malaria Research Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Miranda S Oakley
- Laboratory of Emerging Pathogens, Division of Emerging and Transfusion Transmitted Diseases, Office of Blood Research and Review, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA
| | - Nitin Verma
- Laboratory of Emerging Pathogens, Division of Emerging and Transfusion Transmitted Diseases, Office of Blood Research and Review, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA
| | - Godfree Mlambo
- Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Malaria Research Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Hong Zheng
- Laboratory of Emerging Pathogens, Division of Emerging and Transfusion Transmitted Diseases, Office of Blood Research and Review, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA
| | - Scott M Meredith
- Laboratory of Emerging Pathogens, Division of Emerging and Transfusion Transmitted Diseases, Office of Blood Research and Review, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA
| | - Edward Essuman
- Laboratory of Emerging Pathogens, Division of Emerging and Transfusion Transmitted Diseases, Office of Blood Research and Review, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA
| | - Ankit Puri
- Laboratory of Emerging Pathogens, Division of Emerging and Transfusion Transmitted Diseases, Office of Blood Research and Review, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA
| | - Richard A Skelton
- Laboratory of Emerging Pathogens, Division of Emerging and Transfusion Transmitted Diseases, Office of Blood Research and Review, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA
| | - Kazuyo Takeda
- Division of Bacterial, Parasitic, and Allergenic Products, Office of Vaccines Research and Review, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA
| | - Victoria Majam
- Laboratory of Emerging Pathogens, Division of Emerging and Transfusion Transmitted Diseases, Office of Blood Research and Review, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA
| | | | - Emily Locke
- PATH-Malaria Vaccine Initiative, Washington, DC 20001, USA
| | | | - Kazutoyo Miura
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
| | - Carole A Long
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
| | - Sanjai Kumar
- Laboratory of Emerging Pathogens, Division of Emerging and Transfusion Transmitted Diseases, Office of Blood Research and Review, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA.
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Alzan HF, Bastos RG, Ueti MW, Laughery JM, Rathinasamy VA, Cooke BM, Suarez CE. Assessment of Babesia bovis 6cys A and 6cys B as components of transmission blocking vaccines for babesiosis. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:210. [PMID: 33879245 PMCID: PMC8056569 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04712-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Babesia bovis reproduces sexually in the gut of its tick vector Rhipicephalus microplus, which involves expression of 6cys A and 6cys B proteins. Members of the widely conserved 6cys superfamily are candidates for transmission blocking vaccines (TBV), but intricacies in the immunogenicity of the 6cys proteins in the related Plasmodium parasites required the identification of transmission blocking domains in these molecules for vaccine design. Hereby, the immunogenic efficacy of recombinant (r) B. bovis 6cys A and B proteins as a TBV formulation was studied. Methods The immunogenicity of r6cys A and 6cys B proteins expressed in a eukaryotic system was evaluated in a cattle immunization trial (3 immunized and 3 control calves). A B. bovis sexual stage induction in vitro inhibition assay to assess the ability of antibodies to block the production of sexual forms by the parasite was developed. Results Immunized cattle generated antibodies against r6cys A and r6cys B that were unable to block sexual reproduction of the parasite in ticks. Additionally, these antibodies also failed in recognizing native 6cys A and 6cys B and peptides representing 6cys A and 6cys B functional domains and in inhibiting the development of sexual forms in an in vitro induction system. In contrast, rabbit antibodies generated against synthetic peptides representing predicted B-cell epitopes of 6cys A and 6cys B recognized recombinant and native forms of both 6cys proteins as well as peptides representing 6cys A and 6cys B functional domains and were able to neutralize development of sexual forms of the parasite in vitro. Conclusions These data, combined with similar work performed on Plasmodium 6cys proteins, indicate that an effective 6cys protein-based TBV against B. bovis will require identifying and targeting selected regions of proteins containing epitopes able to reduce transmission. Graphic abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-021-04712-7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heba F Alzan
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA. .,Parasitology and Animal Diseases Department, National Research Center, Dokki, Giza, Egypt. .,Tick and Tick-Borne Disease Research Unit, National Research Center, Dokki, Giza, 12622, Egypt.
| | - Reginaldo G Bastos
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Massaro W Ueti
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA.,Animal Disease Research Unit, United States Department of Agricultural - Agricultural Research Service, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Jacob M Laughery
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Vignesh A Rathinasamy
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland, Australia
| | - Brian M Cooke
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland, Australia
| | - Carlos E Suarez
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA. .,Animal Disease Research Unit, United States Department of Agricultural - Agricultural Research Service, Pullman, WA, USA.
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Patel PN, Tolia N. Structural vaccinology of malaria transmission-blocking vaccines. Expert Rev Vaccines 2021; 20:199-214. [PMID: 33430656 PMCID: PMC11077433 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2021.1873135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: The development of effective vaccines remains a major health priority to combat the global burden of malaria, a life-threatening disease caused by Plasmodium parasites. Transmission-blocking vaccines (TBVs) elicit antibodies that neutralize the sexual stages of the parasite in blood meals ingested by the Anopheles mosquito, interrupting parasite development in the vector host and preventing disease spread to other individuals.Areas covered: The P. falciparum gametocyte surface antigens Pfs230, Pfs48/45, and Pfs47, the parasite ookinete surface protein Pfs25, and the male gametocyte specific protein PfHAP2 are leading TBV candidates, some of which are in clinical development. The recent expansion of methodology to study monoclonal antibodies isolated directly from humans and animal models, coupled with effective measures for parasite neutralization, has provided unprecedented insight into TBV efficacy and development.Expert opinion: Available structural and functional data on antigen-monoclonal antibody (Ag-mAb) complexes, as well as epitope classification studies, have identified neutralizing epitopes that may aid vaccine development and improve protection. Here, we review the clinical prospects of TBV candidates, progress in the development of novel vaccine strategies for TBVs, and the impact of structural vaccinology in TBV design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Palak N Patel
- Host-Pathogen Interactions and Structural Vaccinology Section, Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Niraj Tolia
- Host-Pathogen Interactions and Structural Vaccinology Section, Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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Schneider CG, Taylor JA, Sibilo MQ, Miura K, Mallory KL, Mann C, Karch C, Beck Z, Matyas GR, Long CA, Bergmann-Leitner E, Burkhard P, Angov E. Orientation of Antigen Display on Self-Assembling Protein Nanoparticles Influences Immunogenicity. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9020103. [PMID: 33572803 PMCID: PMC7911071 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9020103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Revised: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Self-assembling protein nanoparticles (SAPN) serve as a repetitive antigen delivery platform with high-density epitope display; however, antigen characteristics such as size and epitope presentation can influence the immunogenicity of the assembled particle and are aspects to consider for a rationally designed effective vaccine. Here, we characterize the folding and immunogenicity of heterogeneous antigen display by integrating (a) dual-stage antigen SAPN presenting the P. falciparum (Pf) merozoite surface protein 1 subunit, PfMSP119, and Pf cell-traversal protein for ookinetes and sporozoites, PfCelTOS, in addition to (b) a homogenous antigen SAPN displaying two copies of PfCelTOS. Mice and rabbits were utilized to evaluate antigen-specific humoral and cellular induction as well as functional antibodies via growth inhibition of the blood-stage parasite. We demonstrate that antigen orientation and folding influence the elicited immune response, and when appropriately designed, SAPN can serve as an adaptable platform for an effective multi-antigen display.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cosette G. Schneider
- Malaria Biologics Branch, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA; (C.G.S.); (J.A.T.); (M.Q.S.); (K.L.M.); (C.M.); (E.B.-L.)
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA
| | - Justin A. Taylor
- Malaria Biologics Branch, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA; (C.G.S.); (J.A.T.); (M.Q.S.); (K.L.M.); (C.M.); (E.B.-L.)
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA
| | - Michael Q. Sibilo
- Malaria Biologics Branch, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA; (C.G.S.); (J.A.T.); (M.Q.S.); (K.L.M.); (C.M.); (E.B.-L.)
- Parsons Corporation, Centreville, VA 20120, USA
| | - Kazutoyo Miura
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Rockville, MD 20892, USA; (K.M.); (C.A.L.)
| | - Katherine L. Mallory
- Malaria Biologics Branch, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA; (C.G.S.); (J.A.T.); (M.Q.S.); (K.L.M.); (C.M.); (E.B.-L.)
- Parsons Corporation, Centreville, VA 20120, USA
| | - Christopher Mann
- Malaria Biologics Branch, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA; (C.G.S.); (J.A.T.); (M.Q.S.); (K.L.M.); (C.M.); (E.B.-L.)
- Parsons Corporation, Centreville, VA 20120, USA
| | - Christopher Karch
- Laboratory of Antigen and Adjuvants, US Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA; (C.K.); (Z.B.); (G.R.M.)
- Henry Jackson Foundation, Bethesda, MD 20817, USA
| | - Zoltan Beck
- Laboratory of Antigen and Adjuvants, US Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA; (C.K.); (Z.B.); (G.R.M.)
- Henry Jackson Foundation, Bethesda, MD 20817, USA
| | - Gary R. Matyas
- Laboratory of Antigen and Adjuvants, US Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA; (C.K.); (Z.B.); (G.R.M.)
| | - Carole A. Long
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Rockville, MD 20892, USA; (K.M.); (C.A.L.)
| | - Elke Bergmann-Leitner
- Malaria Biologics Branch, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA; (C.G.S.); (J.A.T.); (M.Q.S.); (K.L.M.); (C.M.); (E.B.-L.)
| | | | - Evelina Angov
- Malaria Biologics Branch, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA; (C.G.S.); (J.A.T.); (M.Q.S.); (K.L.M.); (C.M.); (E.B.-L.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-301-319-9614
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